wildlife management

Corncrake LIFE: new €5.9m EU-funded conservation project aims to deliver a 20% increase in Corncrake population

A new €5.9m EU-funded LIFE project overseen by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage was launched in Gort a Choirce in Co. Donegal last Friday March 25^th by Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform Malcolm Noonan TD and Minister of State with responsibility for land use and biodiversity at the Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine Pippa Hackett TD. The project aims to revive the fortunes of the corncrake and ensure it remains a part of rural landscapes for years to come.

The project team will operate at coastal and island locations in Donegal, Mayo and Galway as well as associated farmland. Over a five-year period, Corncrake LIFE will work collaboratively with farmers and landowners to improve the landscape for the highly endangered bird. Measures will includes creating and maintaining areas of early and late cover, wildlife friendly mowing of grass, provision of refuge areas during meadow harvesting and incentivising later cutting dates. By the end of the five year project, the aim is to deliver a 20% increase on the 2018 population of Corncrake recorded in Ireland.

Locally-based field officers will provide guidance, direction and support to landowners while community engagement officers will work with stakeholders to establish the corncrake as an asset to the areas it frequents. Knowledge exchange groups and targeted schools programmes will be utilized to highlight the needs of the corncrake and create awareness of its endangerment.

The project is collaborating with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology, Údarás na Gaeltachta and Fota Wildlife Park and will explore innovations such as flushing bars fitted to tractors to scare birds away from mowers, thermal imaging drones to find nests, and passive acoustic monitoring using high-tech microphones in an attempt to help locate the highly elusive birds.

Corncrake is a species listed for special protection under Annex 1 of the EU Birds Directive. Once synonymous with the Irish countryside, the population of Corncrake has declined by 85% since the 1970s, with a similar decrease in range, meaning that the species is now effectively confined to Connacht and Donegal, including offshore islands. Supporting Corncrake in these remaining strongholds is critical to the survival of this species in Ireland. Only 188 calling male corncrakes were recorded across Ireland in 2021.

Speaking at the launch Minister Noonan said:

‘The call of the corncrake was once a ubiquitous sound in meadows and grasslands across the island of Ireland. However, rapid changes to farming practices in the 1970’s spelled doom for the bird. The award of this funding demonstrates the ongoing importance of the EU LIFE programme in supporting conservation projects that have a regional or local focus, particularly in rural or peripheral areas. This funding will allow my Department, working in conjunction with stakeholders across Government and the communities in question, to put measures in place to help secure the future of this species, which remains a high conservation priority at a national and European level’.

Minister Hackett added:

“Given the fact that the Corncrake relies so much on habitats used for agricultural reasons, I am delighted that the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine is a key partner in the Corncrake LIFE project. My Department’s involvement reflects our increasing awareness that we need a more a cooperative approach to agri-ecology in our landscape. I was delighted to be able to secure additional funding recently for the results-based element of the Corncrake LIFE project. The use of scorecards to help steer and inform farmers as to what is on their lands is a very practical way of helping to advise farmers how to manage their practices to the benefit of the environment.”

Dr. John Carey of the National Parks and Wildlife Service who manages the project said:

“The efforts will focus primarily on a combination of habitat creation and restoration, although some new and innovative approaches to corncrake conservation will be explored. The project will be developing knowledge exchange groups with farmers and advisors to share information on how to create and maintain high quality corncrake habitats and ensure that landowners can maximise their potential to receive rewards under the results-based pilot scheme.”

ENDS

Notes

Corncrake is listed as a protected species on Annex I of the Birds Directive. The Corncrake’s breeding range extend from Ireland to Asiatic Russia in the northern hemisphere. The Corncrake winters in southern and eastern Africa, migrating northwards to arrive on its breeding grounds from early April onwards and departing again in August and September. Due to the large decreases in both numbers and range, it is on the Birds of Conservation Concern in Ireland (BoCCI) list.

Corncrakes require managed habitat throughout the breeding season. Corncrakes require the cover of tall vegetation (>20cm) and are strongly associated with meadows which are traditionally harvested once a year in late summer, where they nest and feed. Annual cutting creates a sward with an open structure, which is easy for the birds to move through, but harvesting means they must find alternative cover adjacent to meadows later in the season. Farming therefore plays a key role in the establishment, maintenance and conservation of Corncrake habitat.

For more information on the project you can contact Corncrakelife@housing.gov.ie or following them on Twitter @CorncrakeLIFE

March 28, 2022

Heather cutting on the Knockmealdown Mountains

IFA Countryside were recently invited by ABGN Gun Club as they carried out vital conservation work on the glorious Knockmealdown mountains. Also invited was Senator Garrett Ahearn. AGBN raised concerns with Senator Ahearn about the ability to burn heather.

AGBN demonstrated how they manage the heather for one of our iconic game birds; the Irish Red grouse. In ideal conditions, strips of 10 metres wide and 100 metres long would be burned in a controlled manner before the deadline of 1st March. Burning the heather provides a balance of both young and old heather which is essential for its survival. Grouse feed mainly on heather. The heather needs to be healthy and vibrant. An ideal crop would have several stages of growth in any given area.

ABGN had been using controlled burning of the heather since 2004 but in the last number of years, adverse weather conditions involving heavy rainfall meant that this was not possible. The Gun Club were adamant that this vital conservation work should continue so they found another method of controlling the heather. They purchased a mulching head which is attached onto a hymac thus allowing mowing to take place even in adverse weather.

ABGN Gun Club had previously raised concerns with Senator Ahearn about extending the burning dates to allow them to burn the heather. They invited the Senator out to witness first hand their conservation efforts and the value of heather management.

Many thanks to all members of ABGN Gun Club on their fantastic work in stabilising and indeed increasing grouse numbers on the Knockmealdown mountains. Long may it continue.

March 23, 2022

Applications for the 2022/2023 Deer Hunting Season now open and mandatory certification training for first time hunters launched

The National Parks & Wildlife Service (NPWS) of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage has announced that application forms and guidance notes for the 2022/2023 deer hunting season are now available on the NPWS website at www.npws.ie.

This season will see the introduction of mandatory certification training for first time hunters. The Department through NPWS has been committed to the introduction of this certification training and Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan, T.D., said:

“I am delighted that we have now introduced mandatory certification training for first time hunters. This is a vital addition to the deer hunting licencing process and I know these training courses will be delivered to a high and professional standard. The addition of this certification will further enhance safety throughout the countryside and ensure first time hunters are provided with essential knowledge in deer stalking.”

Currently there are three courses approved by the Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage through NPWS. The Deer Alliance Hunter Competence Assessment Programme (HCAP); Country Sports Ireland’s Deer Stalking Training Course and NARGC’s Deer Stalking Certificate and links to the relevant courses can be found on www.npws.ie or through the outlets’ own websites. Further courses may be approved by the Department as they become available.

The Department continues to modernise the deer hunting licencing process with the introduction of mandatory certification training and work is in train on the development of an eLicencing application system.

Despite the challenges of the past two years, the Department strived to ensure all applications were dealt with in a timely manner and last season, for the first time, over 6,000 licences were issued.

ENDS

Notes

Under the Wildlife Acts, annual licences are required to hunt deer during the Open Season, which is the period during which deer can be legally shot. The Open Season for deer operates generally from 1 September in a given year to 28 February the following year, depending on the species and gender of deer. Over 6,000 deer hunting licences were issued last season.

March 23, 2022

New Website Launched on Rare Breeds and Conservation Grazing

The Irish Native Rare Breeds Society has produced a new website focussing on conservation grazing, with financial support from the National Parks & Wildlife Service. This website has just been launched: https://inrbs.ie

Conservation grazing is a tool that can be used to help achieve sustainable farming practices. In Ireland the use of indigenous traditional breeds are being promoted for the conservation grazing of natural and semi-natural habitats particularly in sensitive areas such as coastal areas and uplands.

John Brennan, Chairman of the Irish Native Rare Breed Society, launching the website said:

“The Irish Native Rare Breed Society (INRBS) is a society dedicated to the promotion of indigenous breeds of domesticated livestock. The society aims to facilitate cooperation between individual breed societies and others who are interested in the breeds for their own sake and those who see a use for the breeds in farming and areas such as land management. The society was originally The Irish Rare Breeds Society (IRBS) and has been in existence since the 1990’s. The INRBS was incorporated as a company limited by guarantee in 2019 as The Irish Rare Breed Society and following a vote at the 2019 AGM the name was changed to The Irish Native Rare Breed Society and this name change was put into effect by The Companies Registration Office in 2020. The society structure allows representatives of each of the indigenous breed societies to sit at board level with equal representation for all affiliated societies.”

Dr. Barry O’Donoghue, Head of Agri-Ecology in the National Parks & Wildlife Service said:

“Agriculture is more than just about food production. The Irish word for agriculture, ‘talmhaíocht’, captures its essence eloquently; working with the ground as opposed to simply taking from it. Agriculture is embedded in and wholly reliant on the natural environment. It can and has shaped our landscape and our natural environment. Much of Ireland’s habitats and species are directly dependent on agriculture. And as much a part of this nexus involving farming and ecology are the domesticated animals, bred over centuries to support and deliver, to carry and to pull, to provide and to be provided for. Our support for this website comes from a thirst for knowledge among farmers and researchers and practitioners. I am often asked for recommendations on stocking rates or practices for particular habitats or species. Every situation can vary, but we hope that this website can be a useful reference and resource to at least help. Over time, it is hoped that further information can be added and refined. There is great knowledge to be gained from older generations of farmers especially and we should make a conscious effort as a country to not lose that knowledge, which was built up over generations. It might ultimately hold the key to the future sustainable management of some of our most important areas for biodiversity.”

ENDS

Photo attached: Droimeann grazing in species rich grassland

March 8, 2022

Reminder on hedge cutting and the law

The National Parks & Wildlife Service (NPWS) of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage is reminding the public the cutting, grubbing, burning or other destruction of “vegetation growing in any hedge or ditch” between 1st March and 31st August is prohibited.

The prohibition is contained in section 40 of the Wildlife Act 1976*. Suspected breaches are investigated by the NPWS and An Garda Síochána. The NPWS took 31 section 40 prosecution cases in 2021 and it hopes that fewer will be necessary this year.

In Ireland, our relatively low cover of native woodland makes our hedgerows exceptionally important for biodiversity. Hedgerows provide botanical diversity as well as food and shelter for animals, most notably birds. They also act as corridors connecting habitats. Untrimmed, thorny hedges are favoured by birds, but birds may nest in any hedge.

The prohibition outlined above does not apply (unless done by burning) in a number of circumstances set out in the Act. For businesses, landowners and the general public the most notable of these exemptions are:

The destruction, in the ordinary course of agriculture or forestry, of any vegetation growing on or in any hedge or ditch. In the Act, “agriculture” is defined as including horticulture. Since horticulture includes gardening, the summertime trimming of hedges in the ordinary course of gardening falls under this exemption;
The clearance of vegetation in the course of road or other construction works or in the development or preparation of sites on which any building or other structure is intended to be provided;
The felling, cutting, lopping, trimming or removal of a tree, shrub, hedge or other vegetation pursuant to section 70 of the Roads Act 1993.

Section 70(2) (a) of the Roads Act 1993 provides that “The owner or occupier of land shall take all reasonable steps to ensure that a tree, shrub, hedge or other vegetation on the land is not a hazard or potential hazard to persons using a public road and that it does not obstruct or interfere with the safe use of a public road or the maintenance of a public road”. NPWS recommends that such “reasonable steps” are taken between 1 September and 28 February, where possible.

It should also be noted that it is an offence under Section 22 of the Wildlife Act 1976 to wilfully destroy, injure, or mutilate the eggs or nest of a wild bird or to wilfully disturb a wild bird on or near a nest containing eggs or un-flown young birds at any time of the year.

Help protect nature! If you see what you suspect to be a hedge-cutting offence you can report it to your local NPWS office (see www.npws.ie/contact-us) or your local Garda station. Since enforcement staff might not be able to respond immediately, you should take a note of the date and time, and note any vehicle registration numbers involved. Photographs (especially of vehicle number plates) can also be helpful, but there is no need to send them to the NPWS or the Gardaí when reporting.)

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January 25, 2022

‘Check, Clean, Dry’ Campaign to protect Irish Waterways launched by Leave No Trace Ireland, the National Biodiversity Data Centre and Partners

Wednesday 19^th January: A new initiative to raise awareness about the spread of harmful invasive plant species and the impact of litter on Irish waterways has been launched by Leave No Trace Ireland in partnership with Waterways Ireland, the National Biodiversity Data Centre, Sport Ireland, Canoeing Ireland, Inland Fisheries Ireland, the Marine Institute, Outdoor Recreation Northern Ireland, Sport Northern Ireland and supported by the National Parks and Wildlife Service.

The ‘Check, Clean, Dry’ Campaign’ aims to raise awareness about biosecurity and the impacts of litter and is calling on the public to play their part in protecting Ireland’s waterways.

Launching the campaign, Padraic Creedon, Ecologist with Leave No Trace Ireland said biosecurity is all about reducing the risk of introducing or spreading invasive species and harmful disease in rural and urban environments.

“Ireland is facing an increased threat of invasive alien species in and on its waterways. These are non-native species that have been introduced by human intervention, outside their natural range that can threaten our native wildlife, cause damage to our environment, economy and human health. Water Soldier, (Stratiotes aloides), chub and pink salmon are just some of the species threatening Ireland’s waterways.”

John McDonagh, Chief Executive of Waterways Ireland added: “Waterways Ireland is delighted to partner on this important campaign with Leave No Trace Ireland. Our inland waterways are rich ecological and heritage corridors, enjoyed by a variety of recreational users. The introduction or spread of invasive species, both terrestrial and aquatic, is of key concern as it negatively impacts our native biodiversity and can seriously disrupt people’s enjoyment of the waterways. We would strongly urge our users to adopt the Check, Clean, Dry approach so we can all work together to preserve this valuable resource for current and future generations.”

Malcolm Noonan TD, Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform, also expressed his support for the ‘Check, Clean, Dry’ Campaign’. The Minister noted that tackling invasive alien species is vital to our efforts to halt biodiversity loss and that the Programme for Government provides for development of a new National Invasive Species Management Plan.

“Invasive species are a serious threat to our biodiversity, and I fully support the efforts of Leave No Trace and their partners in this new campaign to raise awareness about Check Clean Dry protocols. I’m delighted to see my Department’s strong engagement in this initiative through Waterways Ireland and the National Parks and Wildlife Service, and hope that it will help to improve vital biosecurity measures all over this island’s waterways. Through the British Irish Council, the NPWS also engages with counterparts in Great Britain to encourage water users on both sides of the Irish Sea to apply these simple but effective measures.”

The new campaign is asking anyone who goes out on the water to help in reducing the risk of spreading invasive species and disease by following the Check, Clean, Dry principles.

CHECK boats, equipment, clothing and footwear for any plant or animal material, including seeds, spores and soil. Pay particular attention to areas that are damp or hard to inspect.
CLEAN and wash all equipment, footwear and clothes thoroughly. If you do come across any plants and animals, leave them at the water body where you found them.
DRY all equipment and clothing for at least 48 hours – some species can live for many days or weeks in moist conditions. Make sure you don’t transfer water elsewhere. (NOTE: If complete drying is not possible then disinfect everything).

Information and updates on the ‘Check, Clean, Dry’ Campaign will be available on the National Biodiversity Data Centre’s new invasive species website www.invasives.ie, through Leave No Trace Ireland’s website and its partners’ social media channels.

Media Contact: Derek Cunningham 086-2430535

Note to Editors:

Invasive alien species

Invasive alien species are species that have been introduced (deliberately or accidentally) by humans and have a negative impact on the economy, wildlife or habitats of the island of Ireland. Our activities are the main cause of the arrival of invasive species. Many species are deliberately released, like species of fish for angling. Others have escaped from our gardens and farms like the American mink and giant rhubarb. Some arrive as hitch hikers and stowaways with imported goods or other species such as the New Zealand flatworm.

The number of high impact invasive alien species introduced into Ireland has increased by 183% from 1961 to 2010. Research carried out in 2013 indicated that the combined estimated annual cost of invasive species on the economies of both Ireland and Northern Ireland is £207,553,528 (€261,517,445), with an estimate of a combined UK and Ireland cost of £2 billion (€2.5 billion).

Since the 17th century invasive species have contributed to nearly 40% of all animal extinctions for which the cause is known. Invasive alien species can transform the structure and species composition of ecosystems by repressing or excluding native species. Because invasive species are often one of a whole suite of factors affecting particular sites or ecosystems, it is not always easy to determine the proportion of the impact that can be attributed to them.

Organisations

Leave No Trace Ireland is Ireland’s only outdoor ethics programme, which promotes the responsible use of the outdoors. Through education, research and partnerships, Leave No Trace Ireland enables and supports individuals, communities, organisations and companies in reducing the environmental impact of outdoor activities.

Waterways Ireland is one of the six all-Ireland North/South implementation bodies established under the Belfast Agreement in 1999. It is responsible for the management, maintenance, development, and restoration of inland navigable waterways primarily for recreational purposes.

National Biodiversity Data Centre works to make biodiversity data and information more freely available to better understand and assist the protection of Ireland’s biodiversity.

Sport Ireland is the authority tasked with the development of sport in Ireland. This includes participation in sport, high-performance sport, anti-doping, coaching, and the development of the Sport Ireland Campus.

Canoeing Ireland was formed in 1960 and is registered as a limited company in order to provide liability protection for its members. It is recognised by the Irish Sports Council and the Olympic Federation of Ireland (OFI) as the governing body of the sport and recreation of canoeing in Ireland. It is affiliated with the International and European Canoe Federations.

Inland Fisheries Ireland protects, manages and conserves Ireland’s inland fisheries and sea angling resources.

Marine Institute is the state agency responsible for marine research, technology development and innovation in Ireland.

Outdoor Recreation Northern Ireland is a not-for-profit organisation who make it easier for people to responsibly enjoy the outdoors.

The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage is responsible for implementing legislation and policy on invasive alien species in Ireland.

Sport Northern Ireland is the leading public body for the development of sport in Northern Ireland. Their mission is to lead sports development at all levels.

Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage Press Office

Tel: (01) 888 2638 (direct)

Email: press@housing.gov.ie

Website: gov.ie/housing

Twitter: @DeptHousingIRL

January 20, 2022

Biodiversity funding for Local Authorities increased to €2.1m

2022 Local Biodiversity Action Fund supports locally-led projects that align with actions under National Biodiversity Action Plan
It will also support the national rollout of the Biodiversity Officer Programme

Malcolm Noonan TD, Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, today (6^th December) announced that the Local Biodiversity Action Fund will receive funding of €1.5 million in 2022 – a 300% increase in funding for this scheme since 2019.

Minister Noonan also announced that €600,000 will be made available next year to support the roll out of a Biodiversity Officer Programme in local authorities around the country.

First launched in 2018, the re-named Local Biodiversity Action Fund offers funding to assist local authorities in the implementation of actions in the National Biodiversity Action Plan.

Local authorities play a vital role in addressing the biodiversity emergency. This funding stream enables them to develop projects that address biodiversity loss in their localities by helping to create new habitats, restoring existing ones and by tackling invasive alien species.

The scheme, operated by the National Parks and Wildlife Service of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, has proved hugely popular, with all 31 local authorities seeking funding in 2021. A wide variety of projects were financed, ranging from the surveying of breeding birds and the creation of pollinator-friendly initiatives, to projects raising awareness of the importance of biodiversity to our wellbeing.

New funding stream for Biodiversity Officers

In recognition of the vital work that local authorities and their staff undertake in tackling the biodiversity crisis, Minister Noonan today also announced that a new funding stream will be made available to progress the Programme for Government commitment to ensure that all local authorities have a dedicated Biodiversity Officer.

Biodiversity Officers are the public face of biodiversity at the local level. They are tasked with supporting the implementation of the NBAP and the delivery of national biodiversity targets, commissioning biodiversity surveys and working with the community on projects to improve the status of biodiversity in the local authority area.

Commenting on the announcement, Minister Noonan said:

“I’m delighted to be able to increase this vital biodiversity funding scheme, which has proved immensely popular with local authorities. They have increased their participation in biodiversity and invasive species projects year-on-year, and the benefits of this are shared by all of us, not least local communities.

“I’m particularly pleased that the increased funding includes a new stream to extend the Biodiversity Officer programme across the country. In the Programme for Government, we committed to ensuring that all local authorities have a sufficient number of Biodiversity Officers among their staff complement, and I’m looking forward to seeing this grow over the coming years. Reversing biodiversity loss is among the greatest challenges of our times. Locally-led initiatives can be extremely impactful – supporting them is an important part of the response.”

Minister for Local Government and Planning, Peter Burke TD, said local authorities have a lead role to play in addressing the biodiversity emergency given their connection to the public.

“Local Authorities and their staff are the closest arm of the State to our citizens so it is great to see them supported to lead the charge against biodiversity loss. Local Authorities experienced great success so far this year rolling out their Biodiversity Projects, so this increased investment will go a long way to boost their efforts.”

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien, TD, also welcomed the announcement, stating:

“My Department is committed to supporting local authorities in the central role they play in the implementation of actions contained in the National Biodiversity Action Plan. Local authorities are uniquely positioned, working within their own biodiversity plans and with communities, to help halt biodiversity loss. Biodiversity officers are a key part of this and are crucial to the implementation of actions for biodiversity at local and regional level.”

Successful projects in 2021 include:

Cavan County Council Biodiversity Awareness Project, promoting awareness of biodiversity within the county. Projects include: Cavan County Biodiversity Action Plan, Tidy Towns Pollinator Award, vegetation management plans for historic graveyards and West Cavan Bogs Association Community Mapping Project – Trackways and Trails to the Past.
Kilkenny County Council Barn Owl Project carried out surveys which showed that barn owl populations are faring well in the county, after decades of declines.
Roscommon County Council Biodiversity Awareness Project 2021 had three strands: 1. Supporting the All Ireland Pollinator Plan, 2. Local Radio Biodiversity Campaigns, 3. Supporting Biodiversity Projects. The funds enabled RCC to sign up to the All-Ireland Pollinator plan and implement a number of actions therein.
Clare County Council implemented ‘The Hare’s Corner’ project, which sought to support landowners in County Clare who wanted to dedicate a small space for nature through creation of a mini-woodland, a mini-orchard or a pond.
Dun Laoghaire- Rathdown County Council Hedgerow Survey showed how important hedgerows are to landscape connectivity in the county. The map will feed into their Ecological Network maps for the county which will inform decision makers as part of their County Development Plan. Also, as a result of this project, DLR’s Biodiversity officer will develop guidance on hedgerow protection and management for DLR. DLR have also developed a hedgerow toolkit for schools as part of the project in order to raise awareness about our hedgerows to teachers and school children.

ENDS

Note to Editors

An amount of €1.5 million has been made available in 2022 for the NBAP Local Authority Biodiversity Grant Scheme. The funding was made available, in line with a grant application and award process, to biodiversity officers in the counties that have them, and heritage officers. Funding awarded is:

Subject to provision of an agreed level of co-funding from the local authority’s own resources;
spent on a project directly related to one or more actions of the National Biodiversity Action Plan or targeting Invasive Alien Species projects, including species which are included on the on EU IAS list of Union concern;
The project outputs must be reported to the Department before the end of the year.

For further information, queries can be sent to biodiversitypolicy@housing.gov.ie

December 8, 2021

World Habitat Day – Managing Hedgerows to Protect Habitats

IFA Environment & Rural Affairs Chairman and Smart Farming’s Programme Leader, Paul O’Brien said that while hedgerow cutting is now permitted to the end of February, farmers should be aware that hedges provide food and shelter and habitats for wildlife and birds throughout the winter months.

“Ideally, we should do as little as possible with our hedgerows and they should be allowed to grow upwards and outwards. If hedges are starting to spread too far into fields, the sides can be trimmed back to keep them under control. It’s recommended to only cut one third of hedges each year to benefit the environment as much as possible,” he said.

World Habitat Day takes place each year on the first Monday in October.

Paul O’Brien emphasised the need for farmers to communicate with contractors about maintaining hedgerows and explain what they want to achieve from hedge cutting.

“Farmers should speak with contractors about leaving some thorn trees uncut or doing less cutting than previous years. Farmers need to make sure their contractor knows what they want,” he said.

He said that hedgerows contribute significantly to biodiversity and carbon sequestration. He encouraged farmers who are considering planting additional hedgerow to do so this winter.

“New hedges should be planted between November and March, depending on weather conditions. Planting new hedges can increase the number of full trees within the hedge and the density of the hedges.”

For more information on the Smart Farming programme visit www.smartfarming.ie.

October 5, 2021

FIRE DANGER NOTICE

BE PREPARED. BE VIGILANT. STAMP OUT FOREST FIRES.
Fire Danger Notice 05 of 2021
Issue date: 29 June 2021 @ 1600hrs
Forest Fire
Danger Rating
Condition Orange – High Fire Risk
Warning Effective From 1200hrs 29/06/2021
Effective Period Expires 1200hrs 05/07/2021

Arising from current dry weather patterns and high temperatures a high fire risk is deemed to
exist in all areas where hazardous fuels such as dead grasses and shrub fuels such as
heather and gorse exist. This risk phase is expected to peak on Friday, July 2nd, 2021.
Higher visitor activity levels at recreational sites can be expected in line with fine weather
and summer holiday usage patterns. Members of the public intending to visit forests and
other recreational sites are reminded to adhere to regulations introduced to limit the spread
of Covid-19. Vehicles must not be parked at site entrances or impede emergency service
access to forest roads. Forest visitors should not use barbeques or open fires at any stage.
Fire behaviour and spread rates are likely to be moderated by higher live fuel moisture levels
in vegetation, but near drought conditions may exist on some site types, particularly on
lowland peat sites and in eastern regions.

Pending significant rainfall, this risk condition will remain in place until 1200hrs on Monday, July
5th, 2021 unless otherwise stated by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
BE PREPARED. BE VIGILANT. STAMP OUT FOREST FIRES.

Advice to Forest Owners and Managers
All forest owners and managers are again advised to prepare for likely outbreaks of fire. Fire
lines, Fire Plans, fire suppression equipment should be reviewed and made ready and other
relevant contingencies such as insurance, helicopter contracts etc., checked and confirmed.
The need for increased vigilance at this time cannot be overstated. Forest owners, farmers,
rural dwellers and other countryside users are asked to be extremely vigilant regarding fire
activity, to report any suspicious or illegal activity to the Gardai and to report all fires
immediately to the Fire and Emergency Services via 112/999.
The Department recommends that forest owners and managers should consider the fire
mitigation measures that they can put in place to help prevent loss or damage to forest
resources through fire. Examples of such measures are:
1. Risk assessment:
Assess your property with regard to fire risk and mitigation factors. Is there a risk of fire or
presence of hazardous fuel vegetation on neighbouring lands? Is there a history of land
burning in the vicinity of your forest? Are access routes adequate, accessible and clear of
obstructions? Is there a firebreak in place and has it been adequately maintained?
2. Prepare:
Fire Plans should be developed for all forests, including a map showing access routes and
assembly points for fire fighting personnel and equipment and potential sources of water.
The plan should also include contact details for the emergency services, local private and
Coillte foresters, neighbouring landowners and forest owners in order to summon help
should the need arise.
Have fire-fighting tools such as beaters and knapsack sprayers to hand and ready to use. If
you do not live in reasonable proximity to your woodland, a local caretaker or forest
neighbour should be employed and should also have a copy of the fire plan with your and all
the above contact numbers.
Clear tracks and roads if available and ensure forest entrances and access routes are not
blocked by parked vehicles or other obstacles, especially where visitors or recreational users
may be present. Suitable signage to this effect should be displayed on gates or barriers.
Firebreaks should be created (if not already in place) by screefing or removing vegetation
mechanically by excavator so that the soil is bare. Fire breaks should be at least 6 metres
wide and should be maintained clear of flammable vegetation.
3. Be Vigilant:
Forest owners should be particularly vigilant during the high risk period. Fire patrols may be
warranted in known fire hotspots. Be particularly vigilant at Bank Holiday weekends where
high risk weather is forecast. Cooperation between neighbouring landowners is critical to
successful fire prevention. Forest owners should discuss their concerns about fire with
neighbouring landowners in advance of the fire season. Providing assistance to farmers
wishing to carry out legal prescribed burning earlier in the season is a useful way of
developing good working relationships with neighbours, as well as ensuring that operations
BE PREPARED. BE VIGILANT. STAMP OUT FOREST FIRES.
are conducted safely during lower risk conditions. Forest owners should cooperate with fire
planning and share the burden of fire patrols and vigilance during high risk periods.
4. Obey the Law:
It is an offence to cut, grub, burn or otherwise destroy any vegetation growing on any land
not then cultivated between 1st March and 31st August in any year. Report all suspicious or
illegal activity to Gardai immediately. Landowners wishing to carry out legally permitted
prescribed burning must notify in writing all forest owners within one mile of the wood, and
the local Garda station, between 7 and 35 days in advance of the burning operation. All
burning operations should be notified to the Fire Service, via the control centre by
telephoning 112/999 BEFORE burning commences. Landowners found burning illegally
could face fines, imprisonment and Single Farm Payment penalties, where applicable.
5. Report Fires Immediately:
If you see a fire, do not delay; report it to the Fire and Emergency Services straight away. Do
not wait for somebody else to make the call. Dial 999 or 112. You will not be billed by the
fire service or local authority for making the call. Give clear details as regards location,
where at all possible using a national grid reference and any other useful information such
as the size of the fire, wind direction, proximity to dwellings or forestry etc. Do not attempt to
tackle fires alone or without adequate training or protective equipment.
6. Report Losses:
If your forest is damaged or destroyed, report this loss as soon as possible to your local
Gardai station and to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Johnstown
Castle Estate, Co. Wexford.
Advice to the General Public/Forest Visitors
Members of the public and visitors to recreational areas should cooperate with all requests
regarding fire safety, obey all relevant bye-laws and be considerate in parking vehicles so as
not to impede access by emergency vehicles.
Where fire outbreaks occur at or near recreational areas the following actions should be
taken by visitors in the interests of safety.
1. Do not light fires in and around forests or open land.
2. Do not attempt to intervene or fight fires under any circumstances.
3. Gather all family/group members and move to a safe fuel-free location such as a car
park, upwind of the fire.
4. Telephone Fire and Rescue Services via 112 and report the fire and its location.
5. Evacuate if instructed to do so, and cooperate with all Emergency Service
Instructions.
https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/01773-fire-management/#fire-danger-notices

July 1, 2021

Wild Atlantic Nature Project

Maximum Flexibility Needed for Successful Wild Atlantic Nature Project

An IFA delegation held a meeting this week with the new Wild Atlantic Nature Project and said it has to give farmers maximum flexibility.

The delegation included IFA Rural Development Chairman Michael Biggins, IFA Hill Chairman Flor McCarthy, Mayo IFA Hill Rep Pat Chambers and Mayo IFA Chairman Jarlath Walsh.

They held an outdoor hill assessment meeting in Mayo.

The Project is focused primarily on the blanket bog SACs and associated lands from Galway Bay up to north Donegal and the objective is to achieve good habitat quality in the north-western SACs.

Both Derek McLoughlin and Garry Goggins of the LIFE IP Wild Atlantic Nature project gave a detailed presentation on how each land parcel would be scored on an actual inspection. The presence of undisturbed ground with many of the local grasses, heathers and moss will score the maximum points while poached or overgrazed and the presence of turf cutting may reduce the score.

Questions were raised about how each individual’s enclosed and commonage lands will be marked on the complex score card system which will determine payment rates.

IFA Hill Committee Chairman Flor McCarthy said, “The Wild Atlantic Nature Life IP or any other scheme must not lead to increased restrictions on farms and we welcome clarification that participating farmers will be allowed to stock their land to its potential”.

It is planned to pilot the project in the Owenduff/Nephin SAC area for 2021 and 2022 with payments for both years. It is to open for all farmers in the Owenduff/Nephin SAC area to submit an Expression of Interest from Monday next until June 14^th.

IFA Rural Development Chairman Michael Biggins said all farmers who submit an expression of interest to participate in the project must be included.

Mayo IFA Chairman Jarlath Walsh advised farmers who wished to join the pilot project to familiarise themselves with the terms and conditions.

Details of the new scheme will be published and circulated to hill farmers in the area immediately.

Ends.

May 20, 2021

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